high needs deficit
Ealing Council is addressing a significant high needs deficit, which led to a £3.8 million budget overspend in 2024-25.
The Ealing Schools Forum flagged a £3.8 million budget overspend for the 2024-25 financial year, primarily due to an increase in the high needs deficit. This deficit, which is a financial shortfall in funding for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision, rose by £5.528 million to a total of £7.755 million, even after a transfer from the schools block.
In July 2025, the Ealing Schools Forum agreed to retain the 2024-25 early years block Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) reserves to help manage the high needs block deficit. A report to the committee stated that the DSG overspent by £3.787 million in 2024-25 before the use of reserves.
Key facts
- Ealing Schools Forum flagged a £3.8 million budget overspend for the 2024-25 financial year. Source
- The high needs deficit in Ealing rose by £5.528 million to £7.755 million. Source
- In July 2025, Ealing Schools Forum agreed to retain 2024-25 early years block DSG reserves. Source
- The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) overspent by £3.787 million in 2024-25 before reserves. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.